the brushcutter It can be used to remove unwanted grass, weeds and shrubs at the edge of the garden or allotment without the need for chemical weeding. The service life and correct operation of the tool depend on both the type of brushcutter chosen as well as the care taken during maintenance and cleaning of the machine. These are simple but essential precautions when you return to the brushcutter after the winter holidays.
We can choose different models and types of brush cutter: with Internal combustion engine or thermal (cycle 2 or 4 times) or with battery motor or electric. Three types of cutting equipment can be applied to different types of brush cutters: wire, disc and chain. Among the models available, the shoulder brushcutter (in which the motor is carried on the back by means of shoulder straps) is ideal for use in inaccessible places.
Whichever model you choose, for excellent performance and long life, it is really essential to maintain the motor, check the bevel gear often and keep an eye on the rod, which transmits the bevel gear motor movement. Let’s see together what is the best way to carry out periodic maintenance, starting with some operations that must be carried out on all brushcutters, such as greasing the bevel gear and cleaning the tool, and going through the necessary interventions in the case of an internal combustion engine or battery-powered tool.
Contents [Ocultar]
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Maintenance of bevel gears
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Other Good Routine Maintenance Habits
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Petrol Brush Cutter Maintenance
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The almost maintenance-free cordless brushcutter
Contents
Maintenance of bevel gears
The bevel gear of the brushcutter transmits the movement to the cutting equipment through a pair of gears and should be checked approximately every 25 hours, checking the level of grease. Grease is essential for protecting and lubricating movements, so it should never fail. If grease level is low, remove end cap and grease bevel gear .
How to grease the bevel gear . The operation is accomplished by introducing a grease (e.g. molybdenum disulphide grease) into the head via a dispenser, which is preferable to a pressurized lubricator.
The self-lubricating head. For several years, STIHL has been manufacturing a self-lubricating head. This innovative solution requires no maintenance of the bevel gears and maintains an adequate level of grease throughout the life of the brushcutter.
Other Good Routine Maintenance Habits
Tighten the screws. Another important precaution is to tighten the screws and the bolts of the brushcutter. As these can become loose due to vibration of the tool while working, it is best to examine them.
Clean the brushcutter . The various parts of the machine should always be kept clean and free of dirt or small accumulations of grass. Also, you should first lubricate the clipper blades with an appropriate aerosol product, then clean them with a stiff brush to remove debris and prevent rust or corrosion.
clutch and muffler . Other essential operations for the brushcutter to fulfill its mission are checking the clutch , to be performed when a head jerk is observed after leaving the throttle, and clean the muffler which can present accumulations of slag responsible for the non exit of the exhaust gases of the engine and can make it difficult to start the tool.
Read the instruction booklet . In any case, to find the answers to all the questions on the routine maintenance of your brushcutter, it is advisable to consult the instruction manual of your model.
Petrol Brush Cutter Maintenance
The gasoline brushcutter is powered by an internal combustion engine , which can be a mixture or a gasoline engine. This type of engine requires several maintenance operations, such as cleaning the air filter, checking the spark plug, servicing the carburettor and possibly changing the oil. motor oil it is present only for the gasoline engine, characterized by a 4-stroke cycle.
Cleaning the air filter. To clean the air filter, it is necessary to open the cover that protects the filter and clean the filter with a compressor or a brush soaked in a degreasing agent. This should be done, if possible, after each use of the brushcutter. Paper filters should not be cleaned with a compressor as the high pressure air will damage them, while already damaged or stained filters should be replaced immediately. Cleaning the filter prevents this from causing increased fuel consumption, which leads to engine starting problems.
Carburetor maintenance. The maintenance of the carburettor, which mixes air and fuel and introduces the mixture into the combustion chamber of the engine, consists of cleaning it with compressed air, taking care not to damage the membranes with the air jet . Although quite efficient, the carburetor should be checked periodically. When it wears out, it should be replaced promptly.
Spark plug check. Checking the spark plug involves opening the cover (located on top of the engine), removing the spark plug with a spark plug wrench, and checking the electrode or inside of the spark plug. If these parts are dirty or worn, the electrode or the inside of the spark plug should be cleaned of deposits with a brush soaked in degreasing product, and the spark plug should be replaced if necessary. The spark plug must be the one prescribed in the brushcutter’s use and maintenance manual. These operations should be carried out approximately every 25 working hours to prevent the spark plug from causing unstable fuel combustion and, as a result, problems when starting the tool.
The almost maintenance-free cordless brushcutter
The cordless brushcutter, powered by lithium-ion batteries and indicated for amateur use , does not require special maintenance and certainly requires less maintenance than a gasoline brushcutter. The operator who buys an electric model can avoid tightening screws and bolts thanks to the low vibrations generated by the tool, changing the oil and checking the air filter, spark plug and carburetor, which do not exist not in the electric machine. The user will only have to remember to recharge the batteries after each prolonged use of the brushcutter, which is also quieter, more economical and more eco-sustainable than a conventional tool.
STIHL developed a wide range of battery-powered models, which emphasized the development of this technology, producing both hobby brushcutters and professional tools.